In terms of interface, this new application is like a version that combines Instagram and Twitter together.
In a private meeting with select creators, Instagram’s parent company, Meta, revealed plans to launch a text-based conversation app. According to The Verge, Instagram’s plan to compete with Twitter was discovered by Lia Haberman, a social media marketing teacher at the University of California, Los Angeles Extension.
Due to being in the development stage, this application does not have an official name. In the presentation, it was described as “Instagram’s new text-based app for conversations” – codenamed P92 or Barcelona.
In terms of interface, the new app looks like a mashup of Instagram and Twitter, based on two screenshots included in the leaked marketing slide. Accordingly, the upcoming app will maintain a centralized feed like Twitter, allowing users to view content such as text, images, and videos shared by followers and recommended accounts. Each text-based post will be limited to a word count of 500 characters, with attached links, photos and videos.
Leaked interface of Instagram’s new text-based app for conversations.
According to Haberman, although the text-based app is built on top of Instagram, it is decentralized and will function as a separate app. The app will also be compatible with other decentralized social media apps like Mastodon, allowing users to reach a wider audience.
“In the near future, our app will be compatible with some other apps like Mastodon,” the Instagram slide says. Users on these other apps will be able to search, follow, and interact with your profile and content if you’re public. Or if you are private and accept them as a follower.
While the Twitter competitor will work independently of Instagram, creator controls and account safety features, such as blocked accounts and keywords, will be migrated to the new app.
Meta first confirmed its plans to develop an independent decentralized social network in March, saying, “We are exploring an independent decentralized social network for sharing text updates. We believe there is an opportunity for a separate space where creators and public figures can share timely updates on their interests.”
